Man Utd dealt transfer blow in pursuit of Barcelona man Frenkie De Jong after Xavi admission

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Barca midfielder in the upcoming transfer window. Having somewhat struggled since his transfer to Camp Nou from Ajax, reports suggested De Jong was once again prepared to switch clubs. However, boss Xavi has insisted that the Dutch international is still a vital part of his future plans.

As quoted by Manchester Evening News, Xavi claims that De Jong is still one of the most talented players in the world, insisting he wants to keep him at the club.

He said: “He has to be a player that makes the difference and he does. There aren’t many players with his quality in the world,

“He’s the present and the future [at Barca]. He is a very important player for me. He’s capable, strong, he gets into the box. He has had some excellent games, but he has to be consistent.

“We had a face-to-face chat this week and it went well. Obviously being taken off is frustrating for him, but I have to look out for the team.”

De Jong looked unimpressed after being substituted against Rayo Vallecano last weekend. This added fuel to the fire as rumours increased linking the 24-year-old with a move away.

However, the comments by Xavi would suggest any issue has now been resolved.

De Jong joined Barca from Ajax in 2019 for a fee of around £65million, and has two years remaining on that initial contract.

Meanwhile, former Man Utd man Luke Chadwick has insisted that De Jong would be a strong signing this summer.

De Jong was part of Eric Ten Hag’s side that reached the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018-19 season.

And Chadwick believes that a reunion with Ten Hag at Old Trafford would bring the best out of the player once again.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, he said: “De Jong’s a hugely talented